Lilia Vu is the story of the day in women’s golf as the 25-year-old claimed her second major title of the season and third win of the year on Sunday at the 2023 AIG Women’s Open at Walton Heath near London.
However, on the 17th hole, a group of protesters from Just Stop Oil invaded the green with flares to speak out against the UK government from licensing all new oil, gas and coal projects. The group similarly protested last month’s Open Championship at Hoylake during the second round. A sign carried by one of the protesters read, “stop insuring climate crisis.”
Charley Hull had just hit an approach to the green when two invaders ran onto the putting surface with smoke flares. After the protesters were cleared, Vu finished her hole and went on to win the tournament.
“What a bunch of idiots,” Hull said after the round.
“I suffer from asthma, but didn’t have my inhaler on me and that stuff was really thick, so no it was not nice. I wasn’t scared when it happened, just thought they were idiots,” she said. “Someone said they are protesting about oil, but how did they get here today? Drove probably.”
Hull shot a 1-over 73 to finish six shots behind Vu for her second runner-up finish at a major championship this season.